Thread: Seeking advice / suggestions for Pruning Saw

I have been asked to help cleaning up some overgrown tracks in native bush / regen. This is on private property.
A macete is being made available for my use. I have not really done this type of thing before and would think a good quality pruning saw for the likes of Manuka stems, and other similar woody growth, would be invaluable. I'm not interested in mechanical tools as I have time to go quietly at my own pace and it's not a massive job - maye two or three days at most.
From use and experience can anyone recommend a high quality, lightweight, possibly folding pruning saw that would be suitable ? Preferably one that stays permanently sharp without need of changing or sharpening saw blades. I don't want to spend a fortune but will pay a reasonable cost for quality.
Thankyou.

the best saw by a huge margin is silky - but for track trimming I would go with a hook type slasher sometimes called a fern hook - that will do everything you want - just make sure it is really sharp and carry a small file with you to keep it sharp - learn to use it by hooking upwoods with it rather than slash down - if the manuka is to big for the slasher then likely you should be leaving it and just giving it a prune anyway -

https://shop.farmlands.co.nz/5637149...MaAl-nEALw_wcB

Silky, grab something you can use later for tramping or for the car. Or just go big.
https://silkystore.co.nz/collections/pruning-saws

I use a folding Bahco saw, had it several years and still sharp as. Great little light weight saw.

Mine is the end off bacho pole saw n siccateer thing so guess thier dedicated pruners be good,even thier basic handsaws work well

@Barry the hunter @Shearer @ROKTOY
also Bush Basher, Micky Duck
Many thanks for the prompt comments. I also emailed Silky Store NZ for advice and this is their recommendation ( carry pouch and spare blades available )
https://silkystore.co.nz/collections...h-professional
Kinda looks the business to me. Any reason you guys aware of I shouldn't go with this ?
Cheers

it will be great for pruning branches and cutting bigger stuff out of the way - but having done years of track work you will need something to cut the light brush /fern of the track - a sharp machete is okay but a hook slasher is the best - when you get started and see the job you will work out what you need - DOC we used a scrub bar with a steel triangular blade

I've got a couple of Silky Gomtara saws. Light weight and 300 mm blade.
No heavy hinge mechanism. Good scabbard which fits down the side of your pack or sits comfortably on your belt.
My main saw when I was pruning pines.

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

it will be great for pruning branches and cutting bigger stuff out of the way - but having done years of track work you will need something to cut the light brush /fern of the track - a sharp machete is okay but a hook slasher is the best - when you get started and see the job you will work out what you need - DOC we used a scrub bar with a steel triangular blade

Thanks @Barry the hunter
Having walked ( i.e struggled along while swearing ) the track in question it was predominantly leaning & overhanging branches and woody stems causing the blockages. I think this saw will deal to those admirably in greatly opening passage along the track. From memory I don't recall a lot of vegetation that would be best dealt to with the slasher you describe but if necessary I will tool up with that and return if it would make a positive difference.

Trim all the branches way back, a foot further than the path edge.
Then take to the light stuff with a slasher as Barry says or a decent pair of hedge shears.

Originally Posted by ROKTOY

Trim all the branches way back, a foot further than the path edge.
Then take to the light stuff with a slasher as Barry says or a decent pair of hedge shears.

Will do. Appreciate the tip.

Originally Posted by Barry the hunter

the best saw by a huge margin is silky - ..-

I can confirm that, in fact I got three stitches recently to prove it. Barely touched my thumb but the teeth are surgically sharp.
Rips through branches like butter. Years back, an orchardist friend of my father recommended them and he was right.

PS.
If you've got Scottish ancestry and some basic woodworking skills, it's cheaper to buy just a spare blade and bandsaw/shape up a handle then epoxy the blade in. My wife is terrible with gear so I made her a "special one"..

Secateurs are also handy for the smaller stuff, especially supple jack